The 2015 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles.

MAMA Breakfast

February 3, 2009 12:00 AM

This year’s speaker for the Chicago Auto Show/Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) breakfast will be John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America, held on Feb. 11 at 7:30 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom of McCormick Place. A valid media credential is mandatory for admission.

Krafcik joined Hyundai in April 2004 and is responsible for implementation of strategic direction and management of Hyundai’s operations. Previously, Krafcik served as Vice President of Product Development and Strategic Planning for Hyundai. Prior to Hyundai, he worked at Ford Motor Company.

“I am honored by the confidence Hyundai Motor Company has shown in me and am very excited to help improve Hyundai’s position in the U.S. market and help Hyundai dealers with a strong strategic vision for the marketing and sales of our vehicles. While this is a very difficult time in the auto industry, Hyundai’s extraordinary products and exceptional value offer us great opportunities now and in the future,” said Krafcik.

Krafcik holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and a Master of Science degree in Management from the MIT Sloan School of Management. He began his career in the auto industry at the GM/Toyota joint-venture NUMMI, and later became an industry consultant on lean production.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed in the U.S. by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 790 dealers throughout the nation.